AFLOAT - Ammonia Fuelled Combustion for Marine Applications - Technologies and Solutions
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AFLOAT’s approach to making ammonia a safe and efficient fuel for shipping requires the development of several different technologies. Here you can read about the key technologies and components being developed in the project.
Ammonia as Engine Fuel – Development, Testing, and OptimizationAmmonia poses challenges for ignition and stable combustion in marine engines. A key technical solution is to add a small amount of hydrogen to the ammonia fuel, making combustion more efficient, stable, and safer. We are therefore working systematically to find the right balance and technology, so ships can operate on ammonia without compromising performance or safety. | |
Development of Cracking TechnologyIn AFLOAT, we add hydrogen to the ammonia to improve its combustion properties. However, storing hydrogen in large quantities onboard is challenging because it requires either very high pressure or extremely low temperatures. Therefore, we are developing technologies that can “crack” - that is, produce - hydrogen directly onboard by splitting ammonia molecules. | |
Demonstration on Boiler and Heat ProductionConventional marine engines and boilers cannot be run on ammonia without significant adjustments. Thus, we are developing and testing solutions so that engines and boilers can be retrofitted to operate on ammonia, delivering lower emissions and high operational reliability. | |
System Modeling and IntegrationSolving the technological barriers for each individual component is only part of the challenge. Just as important is ensuring that the entire system works together. From tank to exhaust, the AFLOAT project will use advanced modeling and simulation to optimize how ammonia flows through the ship’s energy system: how much, when, and how ammonia is cracked, how heat is best utilized, and when engines or boilers receive fuel with just the right blend. | |
Proof of Concept and DemonstrationThe AFLOAT project will test and document the technologies - both individually and as a complete, integrated solution - through a series of demonstrations. These are performed on full-scale engines and boiler setups at a brand-new test center, where we measure everything from efficiency and combustion to emissions and overall system integration. |